Why we like it: The NordicTrack RW900 is a premium rowing machine with a smooth feel and a large 24-inch pivoting touchscreen. The machine has wide pedals with adjustable straps, so it fits pretty much any shoe size and doesn’t stop you from making fast transitions when getting off the machine. 

I also like the machine's silent magnetic resistance, which makes for a smooth, quiet rowing stroke that feels different from a chain rower. Another nice feature is that its iFIT library syncs with external fitness apps including Strava, Garmin, Google Fit and Apple Health, so all your data is in one spot.

There are over 10,000 workouts in the iFIT library, and the RW900 automatically matches the resistance of the iFIT workout you select. In addition to the rowing workouts, you can also tilt or pivot the screen to follow strength, yoga and studio classes, making it super convenient for additional at-home workouts. Even if you don’t purchase an iFIT Pro subscription ($39 per month), you can still do manual workouts, and the rower will track your distance, pace and speed.  

Who it’s best for: This rowing machine is best for those who already have an iFIT subscription or like working out at home and want that in-class, studio feel. iFIT’s library has over 10,000 preloaded workouts, and the machine automatically adjusts resistance during iFIT classes. If you already have fitness equipment at home or plan to invest in some, you can easily unstrap from the rower, get off the machine and pivot the screen for yoga, HIIT or strength sessions on your mat. Plus, if you just want to watch your favorite show or movie while you row, you can stream it right from the comfort of your screen. 

Despite not being a chain-driven rowing machine, it has all the bells and whistles you’d want in a premium rowing machine.

Who should not get it: If you lack space, this rower is not ideal for small bedrooms or multipurpose spaces because the 80.1x21.8x52.7-inch machine doesn't fold. It also has an upfront cost of $2,800, not including the iFIT Pro subscription, which costs $39 per month or $468 for a one-year membership. Hence, this is not a budget-friendly rower. 

Additionally, given its price, I would’ve expected a more luxurious look and construction. This rower has a blend of steel and is mostly plastic.

-- Samantha De Leon, CNET lab technician

Why we like it: The Aviron Strong Rower functions exceptionally well as a premium rowing machine and the massive 22-inch screen and built-in software give it a lot of extra features that you’ll will really love. The ability to use streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video and YouTube makes this a great option for those who like to do two things at once. The built-in games are our favorite part, ranging from zombie escapes to multiplayer racing. They're a fun quirk that sets it apart from traditional rowers that only offer virtual coaching. 

We also highly appreciate Aviron’s attention to ergonomics; the high seat, low rail and width-adjustable footplates make it comfortable for rowers of all skill levels and body types. It looks modern, offers unexpectedly heavy resistance and stores vertically with ease.

Who it’s best for: We could see someone who struggles with workout motivation or gets easily bored by traditional cardio liking the Aviron Strong Rower a lot. The fancy screen and built-in apps make it much more engaging than the average rower, and it could help someone get more sessions in than they otherwise would. If you're a multitasker, this rowing machine is a great option because you can catch up on your shows without having to set up a separate iPad or TV. 

We also see this rower working wellmfor people with larger frames or slight mobility limitations: The 507-pound weight capacity and 20-inch seat height make it incredibly accessible for most people. 

Who should not get it: Anyone on a strict budget, as the full price is $2,549. Also, if you hate subscriptions, this one isn’t for you, since the Aviron membership is $29 per month for a 12-month membership or $34 per month if you decide to pay monthly. Paying a monthly or yearly fee in order to fully unlock the screen and game modes is necessary to get the most out of this machine. Additionally, if you’re a rowing purist who just wants a basic monitor, you're paying for tech you won't use. 

Finally, Aviron notes that the slide rail maxes out at around 6 feet, 8 inches, so extremely tall people may find the track a bit too short for a full stroke.

-- CNET’s Reno, Nevada, testing facility

Why we like it: The Ergatta Luxe Rower blends into the background better than almost any piece of fitness equipment I’ve tested. Built with a handcrafted American cherrywood frame, it looks more like furniture than workout equipment, which is a huge plus for apartment living. I’ve even had people come over and not realize there was a rower standing in the corner.

While the platform offers scenic rows and instructor-led classes, it really stands out with its gamified workouts, races and challenges that make cardio feel far more engaging than just staring at stats on a screen. The water-resistance system delivers a smooth, quiet rowing experience with a satisfying, natural feel, and the vertical storage helps keep the footprint minimal when it’s not in use. The built-in wheels also make it easy to move around the room when stored upright.

The 21-inch HD touchscreen adds to the premium experience without overwhelming the room, and it can connect with fitness trackers such as the Apple Watch for easier workout tracking.

Who it’s best for: The Ergatta Luxe makes a lot of sense for people who want workout equipment that doesn’t completely take over a room. Its quiet operation, vertical storage and elegant furniture-like design make it especially appealing for apartment living. It’s also a great fit for anyone who struggles with traditional cardio and wants something that feels more interactive and engaging.

Who should not get it: If you’re simply looking for the cheapest way to get cardio in, this probably isn’t the rower for you. More serious rowing athletes who prioritize advanced training metrics and technique-focused workouts may be better off with a Concept2 RowErg.

My biggest complaints are that Ergatta doesn’t include a screen protector out of the box and that the foot straps don’t lock independently. When the rower is stored vertically, the large touchscreen sits fairly low to the ground, and I didn’t love leaving a display that large unprotected. (I bought a screen protector separately.) During some more aggressive rowing sessions, I also noticed the foot straps would loosen at times, requiring occasional readjustment mid-workout.

It’s also probably not the best fit for people who mainly want instructor-led coaching, since Ergatta’s biggest strength is really the gamified workout experience.

-- Joseph Kaminski, inventory control coordinator

Why we like it: Peloton’s Cross-Training Row Plus is the latest rowing machine since Peloton’s equipment overhaul. It has the same features as the original Peloton Row, with some minor changes. You’ll still be able to access the Form Assist feature, which corrects your form while rowing -- a feature I liked the first time I tested it. It’s also something other smart rowers lack. 

The Row Plus has a new screen with a built-in movement-tracking camera, which is required to use the new Peloton IQ feature. Peloton IQ is Peloton’s AI personal training feature that captures your exercise form on camera during strength-training classes. It corrects your form, counts reps and weights, and tells you when to increase your weight. This is helpful when you’re doing floor exercises alongside the machine.

This machine, along with the other Cross-Training Plus equipment, has a hands-free voice control that lets you pause and play the class as well as raise or lower the volume. The Row Plus screen rotates 45 degrees, which can be helpful if you have limited floor space.

Who it’s best for: This rowing machine is best for the person who owns a Peloton or doesn’t mind a splurge, as it's $3,495 at full price. If you own a Peloton bike or treadmill, the Row Plus blends easily into the brand’s ecosystem. You already have the all-access membership ($50 per month) that lets you explore classes, which you’ll need for the Row Plus. If you’re interested in Peloton IQ, the Row Plus lets you explore it when you try any of the strength-training classes. By combining the Peloton rowing and strength-training workouts regularly, you’ll have a solid fitness program set. 

Who should not get it: Since this is the most expensive rowing machine on the list, it’s not ideal if you’re on a budget. It’s also a large rower that is hard to store, as the folding option requires an anchor to store vertically. Because it’s such a large machine, someone shorter may find it uncomfortable to store without some help. The first iteration of this machine was large and required plenty of space. I wish Peloton had designed this latest model smaller or easier to fold. It’s also something to consider if you don’t have a lot of room to spare or don’t want to have to store it upright after each use. If you have limited space, you’re better off selecting one of the rowing machines on this list that’s not as big, or one that folds up easily, such as the Ergatta Luxe Rower. 

I found that Peloton IQ sometimes works well, and while I appreciated that it told me when to increase my weight during my workout, it was questionable when it corrected my form.

-- Giselle Castro-Sloboda, wellness and fitness writer

Why we like it: I’ve owned two rowers over the years. One was a fairly cheap water rower that failed after about two years, with the nylon strap breaking and the water tank leaking. The other is the Concept 2 RowErg, which I’ve had since 2021 -- and it hasn’t let me down yet.

The entire machine is made from a durable aluminum frame, and the pull chain is nickel-plated steel. Aside from occasional lubrication of the chain and monorail, it requires no maintenance and has survived a move without any difficulty. The RowErg is rated to handle people up to 500 pounds.

With sufficient clearance, you’ll need a space about 9x4 feet to use the RowErg. The monorail and the main flywheel section are detachable for storage and it has caster wheels for easy movement

I use the RowErg nearly daily for 30- to 45-minute sessions. It’s my primary cardio workout to get my blood pumping. There’s a damper with numbers on the flywheel -- labeled from one to 10 -- to let you set the level of the workout you want. A note, though: Because this is an air rower, the levels measure drag (airflow), not resistance (workout intensity), so you don’t necessarily want it set to the highest level during your workout the way you would with an exercise bike.

There are also various workout options on the included PM5 performance monitor, which supports Bluetooth and syncs with the Concept 2 Erg Data app to set up, store and share workouts. This is a rowing machine that works exactly how it should -- no problems or issues -- and you can completely ignore the display, app and workout options if you want to. To me, this is a selling point, since you don’t need to sign up for any subscriptions or classes.

There's a device holder if you want to place a phone or tablet under the PM5 monitor, letting you use it with other apps or services.

Who it’s best for: The Concept2 RowErg is an indoor rowing machine originally designed for professional rowers before making it to the consumer market. It’s an air rower, meaning the resistance comes from the flywheel rather than water or magnets, and it’s adjustable up to 10 levels.

The RowErg offers durable, gym-quality workouts in your home with limited frills. It simply works. And best of all, it only costs $990, compared to the thousands that many other top models will run you.

Who should not get it: The PM5 monitor on the RowErg is outdated compared to other options. There’s no touchscreen, it’s monochrome and it’s powered by D-cell batteries. On the plus side, it lasts for a while because it also draws power from the rower’s flywheel. On the downside, the default power savings mean the backlight and display often turn off during a rest period, so you’ll need to adjust those settings if you don’t want to lose data.

If you don’t have a lot of space, the RowErg is also extremely long at 96 inches; it takes up almost the entire width of my office.

–Ajay Kumar, CNET editor

What we like about it: The Hydrow Arc Rower has a smooth, premium feel, unlike any rowing machine I’ve used. It’s definitely the nicest rower I’ve ever tested. Like its family member, the Hydrow Origin Rower, these futuristic-looking machines offer a smooth ride thanks to their patented electromagnetic drag system. It also feels sturdy due to the aluminum and steel frame. 

You’ll find that Hydrow’s workouts basically all mimic the outdoor rowing experience. No matter the video, there’s always a Hydrow instructor in the background guiding you (if you like that). There are over 5,000 workouts available to view on the 24-inch touchscreen while using the rower or in the Hydrow app. The catch is that you’ll need to purchase an all-access membership for an additional $48 per month, which gives you unlimited profiles for your family. 

Who it’s best for: The Hydrow Arc Rower is priced at $2,295, plus a $48 monthly membership, making it Hydrow’s most expensive rower. If you're someone who values premium design and construction, plus you have a large space to store this rower, you’ll get a fabulous-looking machine with access to thousands of classes 24/7. 

Who should avoid it: If you’re budget-conscious, this $2,295 machine might not be the rower for you. Hydrow offers two other models that are a few hundred dollars less than the Arc, but you still have to pay for a membership, and the storage kit to keep the rower vertical against the wall is an additional $80. 

With this rower being larger, measuring 86x25x48 inches unfolded, it isn’t ideal for people with smaller spaces. You also need to keep in mind that the rower must be plugged in to use its electromagnetic resistance mechanism; otherwise, you won’t feel any resistance. You’ll also need a Wi-Fi connection to access all the workouts. 

All of Hydrow’s rowers are intended to be used with its membership. When used without an active membership, Hydrow operates in Just Row mode, which only lets you adjust drag and resistance settings, showing you limited rowing metrics. So you really can’t just “row” unless you purchase a membership, and you must select a video in order to see your metrics. I find the video playing on the screen distracting.

I also don’t like the foot straps on this machine because you have to adjust them to tighten or loosen. This makes it difficult to get off the machine during HIIT workouts, for example. Additionally, you have to go into the settings every time you want to adjust the drag factor, which I find tedious and not ideal for quick adjustments.

— Samantha De Leon, CNET lab technician

There are four types of rowing machines: hydraulic, flywheel, water and magnetic. 

Hydraulic machines tend to be the most affordable, and the resistance is created by the amount of air or fluid that's constricted with a hydraulic cylinder.

Flywheels work with fan blades to create resistance using air. This is the traditional rower you might've seen at your local gym.

Water and magnetic rowers are newer machines that are quieter and intended to best mimic outdoor rowing. The difference is that magnetic rowers use magnets, while water rowers use a tank of water to generate resistance.

Depending on the type of rowing machine, some cheaper machines can cost about $500, while more expensive ones can cost $1,000 to $2,000-plus.

Yes, rowing is a full-body workout and targets 85% of your body. It targets your arms, back, core, legs and chest and can help build up your endurance and strength.

Rowing is so efficient that you can get a good workout in as little as 20 minutes. Most of the classes offered through memberships on this list last 20 to 45 minutes.

Rowing machines are great for cardio, but they lack the function needed to build strength. This mainly comes from resistance training. You also need to learn to row properly to reap all the benefits of the machine.

Spot reduction, the idea that you can selectively burn fat on just one area of the body, is a myth. However, consistently including cardiovascular exercises such as rowing in your workouts will help you lose overall body fat. 

Rowing is a great way to get in shape, but any exercise will help you reach your fitness goal as long as you watch your caloric intake. It’s more important to stick to a form of movement you enjoy.